MIDDLESEX TWP — With social distancing measurements in place, supervisors tackled several items of general business in person Wednesday night, including housing plans, overgrown trees and the resignation of the township manager.

Housing plan approved

Supervisors unanimously voted to approve the final subdivision for the Fieldstone Ridge housing plan along Forsythe Road.

Preliminary approval for subdividing two parcels totaling 87 acres into 62 lots for single-family homes was granted in February prior to the pandemic disrupting municipal operations.

Michael Spreng, supervisor chairman, questioned township engineer Jeff Mikesic about whether or not everything was in order for final approval.

“Engineering-wise, all the technical comments have been addressed,” Mikesic said. “There's ... some final permitting stuff.”

Work on Fieldstone Ridge might begin as early as this fall, depending on when permits are approved.

Tree trimming

Supervisors also discussed handling overgrown and fallen tree branches along township roadways.

“We got to do something with these trees,” Spreng said. “There's roads out there right now a school bus won't be able to move (over).”

Spreng said the township did get quotes for tree trimming along 10 or 12 roads, but the lowest estimate was around $150,000.

“It just seems like a lot of money,” Spreng said. “And we do watch money here.”

Spreng suggested trimming the trees might require a combined effort between professionals and township workers.

“I think maybe if I get them to go through and do the smaller stuff, that they can chip,” Spreng said. “But if they come across a big (branch), we'll put a mark on it and have somebody come in.”

Manager resigns

Supervisors also accepted the resignation of Travis Cavanaugh as full-time township manager, but agreed to retain his services part-time.

“It's been a great four or five years,” Cavanaugh said.

Cavanaugh said he has another opportunity he can't pass up. He is being retained on a part-time, as-needed basis until someone is hired to fill the position.

Supervisors approved his part-time pay rate at $25 an hour.

“We appreciate what you've done, Travis,” Donald Marshall, supervisor vice chairman, said.

Cavanaugh's last day is Friday.